Best Burger Recipes

How to Make Delicious Turkey Burgers

The Perfect Turkey Burger

Turkey burgers are a low fat and delicious alternative to hamburgers. Unlike ground beef, which can be easily shaped into patties and grilled or fried without losing moisture or falling apart, poultry demands a little extra time and preparation.

The key to keeping turkey burgers from falling apart is to mix them up with egg or egg whites, and breadcrumbs. The egg provides the "glue" and a small amount of breadcrumbs adds a little extra filler to absorb some of the moisture from the egg. For the best results, add one egg white and 1/8th cup of breadcrumbs to one pound of turkey burger.

Because the meat is lean, there is little grease to keep the juices in while it cooks. However, all is not lost. You can make a juicy turkey patty by doing two important things: First, add a small amount of diced onion to the ground meat before shaping it into patties. As meats cook, the juices run off, but as onion cooks, more juice is produced. Onion not only adds flavor, but also keeps meat from drying out. Second, after you have formed the patties and placed them in the pan or on the grill, refrain from pushing down on them with a spatula and turn them only once. For best results, allow the patties to cook on medium heat for at least six minutes before you flip them over.

If you want to add some pizzazz to your turkey burgers, try adding a clove of minced garlic and a touch of seasonings to the ground turkey before you shape it into patties. Seasoned salt, oregano, parsley, or steak seasoning adds some extra flavor. Adjust the amount according to your taste.

Top your burgers with your favorite vegetables and condiments. Lettuce, tomato, pickles or relish, and cheese are good choices. Though you may use ketchup and mustard, ranch dressing is an especially delicious choice. With careful preparation and practice, your turkey burgers may be even more popular than your hamburgers and could be the perfect way to change up the typical menu at your next neighborhood or family barbecue.